namicolorado.org - Western Slope

Affiliates

Jefferson, Clear Creek and Gilpin

Larimer

Montrose

Weld County

Western Slope

President: Leslie Kent
Vice President: Janice Curtis
Phone: 970-462-3989
Email: namiwesternslope@gmail.com

Treasurer: Jackie Spivey
Secretary: Sandy Richmond
Member Services: namiwsmembers@gmail.com

Family-to-Family Education Coordinator:
Leslie Kent - 970-462-3989 namiwesternslope@gmail.com

NAMI Western Slope
PO Box 1864
Grand Junction, CO 81502
Phone: 970-462-3989

Visit us on Facebook at NAMIWESTERNSLOPE
View our by-laws

New Class Starting Register by July 9th.

NAMI WESTERN SLOPE offers FREE education classes for families of adults dealing with mental illness and for families of children / adolescents dealing with mental illness.

If you need information, or want to register contact Leslie Kent at 970-462-3989 or email: namiwesternslope@gmail.com

This is a 12 week educational / support group. It is only available to those who have mental illness in their family.
During the class you will learn about symptoms and clinical treatment of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, clinical depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), borderline personality disorder, post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), co-occurring brain disorder, and addictive disorder.

The class will help you to gain empathy by understanding the subjective, lived experience of a person with mental illness. Learn problem solving, listening and communication techniques, as well as acquire strategies for handling crisis and relapse. You will also learn techniques for coping with worry, stress and emotional overload along with techniques to improve communication with your loved ones.

This is a difficult journey, Don’t do it by yourself.

From one family member to another,

I would like to share a few things with all you family members who are feeling overwhelmed, stressed out, anxious, and at your wits end. As you all know mental illness effects the whole family. I understand where you are, I have been there and at times I am still there. My husband has Bipolar Disorder. However, as I began my journey of educating myself, I found this to be very empowering. I, myself, needed my own coping skills, to learn problem solving techniques, and to find support groups that accept you for who you are. I realized the more I understood the illness, the more my husband and I are able to move forward. Never lose hope in the power of your loved one achieving recovery.

Leslie, Family-to-Family teacher

COLORADO VISIONS

NAMI Western Slope and the National Alliance on Mental Illness of Colorado (NAMI Colorado) are co-sponsoring a Colorado Visions class. There is no charge! Confidentiality will be maintained. Colorado Visions is a family education course appropriate for parents and caregivers of children/adolescents diagnosed with a brain disorder, as well as those exhibiting behaviors that strongly suggest such a disorder. This course will present a wealth of information as well as provide family members/caregivers the opportunity to share mutual experiences and learn valuable lessons from one another. You must register for this class.

Course Topics Covered:

Introduction to Brain Biology
ADD/ADHD, PDD/Autism, Tourette’s Disorder, Conduct Disorder, Bipolar Disorder, Depressive Disorder, Eating Disorders, Early Onset Schizophrenia/Schizoaffective; Anxiety Disorders: Obsessive-Compulsive, Post-Traumatic Stress, Separation Anxiety, Panic, Phobia, Generalized Anxiety
Empathy
Sharing Our Unique Life Experiences
Basic Information About Medications
Listening
De-escalation
Communication Techniques - For Use With Each Other and With Our Children
Problem Solving Skills
Organization of Data and Record Keeping
School issues (eg. IEP's)
Coping and Self Care for Parents and Caregivers
Rehabilitation, Recovery, and Transition

Monthly Education and Support Meeting

1st Monday of every month (excluding holidays)

Time: 6:00 P.M. - 7:00 P.M.Support (Family member and consumer support done separately)
Time: 7:00 P.M. - 8:00 P.M. Education Location: C.W.M.H. 515 28 3/4rd. Bld. A

We are excited to announce that Kathy Capps who is the Director of Emergency Services for Colorado West Mental Health will be our guest speaker on April 2nd. Listed below are some of the things she will be covering.

Please come and join us for this very informative evening APRIL 2, 2012 6-8p.m.

• Emergency services- what defines an emergency?

• What might happen when some calls or comes in for a crisis assessment?

• What are the options if a higher level of care is needed? What that might look like for the family.

We can problem solve any frustrations folks might be experiencing when they are in crisis. She will also talk about Mental Health First Aid- as a resource for learning common language and understanding resources.

Monthly Support & Education

Location: Colorado West Mental Health

515 28 3/4 rd. Bld. A NORTH DOOR 6-7 p. m. Support Groups

There are two separate support groups at the same time

1. For family members of adults living with mental illness

2. For adults who are living with mental illness 7-8p.m.

NAMI Connection Recovery Support Group
Date: Every Monday
Time: 2:00pm “NAMI” Support Group (consumers only)
Location: C.W.M.H. 515 28 3/4rd. Bld. A
Contact: Janice 970-257-0891

NAMI group in Eagle County
CONSUMERS, FAMILY & FRIENDS OF ADULTS

Living with Mental Illness
Mondays 6:30 P.M.-7:30 P.M.
Contact Person Ed Thompson 970-904-2570
Email: CWRMHpeergroup@gmail.com
Location: Colorado West Mental Health
137 Howard St. Eagle, Co 81631

NAMI group in Glenwood Springs
FAMILY & FRIENDS OF ADULTS
Living with Mental Illness
Mondays at 7:00
Contact: Anika is 970-618-7770 anikaneal@yahoo.com